
chronic articular rheumatism Reumatism ar·thri·tis (är-thrī′tĭs) n. Any of several diseases of the joints, such as osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints.
What is another word for articular rheumatism?
Synonym(s): articular rheumatism. [G. fr. arthron,joint, + -itis,inflammation] Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012 arthritis (ar-thri'tis ) plural.arthritides[ arthro-+ -itis] Joint inflammation, often accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity. Arthritis is very common, affecting millions.
What is acute articular rheumatism (ARF)?
Acute articular rheumatism is most common in adults and involves symptoms such as fever and arthritis. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a complication of a strep throat caused by particular strains of GAS.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS rheumatoid arthritis A chronic systemic disease marked by inflammation of multiple synovial joints. The disease usually affects similar groups of joints on both sides of the body and can create bony erosions that can be seen radiographically.
What is the difference between acute rheumatic fever and articular rheumatism?
Acute articular rheumatism is most common in adults and involves symptoms such as fever and arthritis. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a complication of a strep throat caused by particular strains of GAS. Although common in developing countries, ARF is rare in the United States, with small isolated outbreaks reported only occasionally.

Is there a difference between arthritis and rheumatism?
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
What are the two types of rheumatism?
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms. Although the symptoms of these two types of arthritis can be similar, it's very important to distinguish between them in order to determine the proper treatment.
What is the main cause of rheumatism?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it's not yet known what triggers this. Your immune system normally makes antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses, helping to fight infection.
What is articular disease?
Inflammatory articular diseases encompass a spectrum of conditions that range from acute forms of septic or sterile arthritis to chronic, often polyarticular conditions. They may involve inflammation of synovial tissue of joints and other tissues, such as muscles and tendons, mucosal and epithelial tissues, and organs.
What is the best treatment for rheumatism?
Methotrexate is usually the first medicine given for rheumatoid arthritis, often with another DMARD and a short course of steroids (corticosteroids) to relieve any pain. These may be combined with biological treatments....The DMARDs that may be used include:methotrexate.leflunomide.hydroxychloroquine.sulfasalazine.
What is the most painful type of arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis can be one of the most painful types of arthritis; it affects joints as well as other surrounding tissues, including organs. This inflammatory, autoimmune disease attacks healthy cells by mistake, causing painful swelling in the joints, like hands, wrists and knees.
What are the first signs of rheumatism?
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints. Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity. Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite....Areas that may be affected include:Skin.Eyes.Lungs.Heart.Kidneys.Salivary glands.Nerve tissue.Bone marrow.More items...•
What is rheumatism pain like?
The quality of rheumatic pain is typically a deep aching sensation, but the word "soreness" is also used, perhaps to emphasize the pain on motion and tenderness to touch.
What are the signs of rheumatism?
What are the signs and symptoms of RA?Pain or aching in more than one joint.Stiffness in more than one joint.Tenderness and swelling in more than one joint.The same symptoms on both sides of the body (such as in both hands or both knees)Weight loss.Fever.Fatigue or tiredness.Weakness.
What do articular mean?
Medical Definition of articular : of or relating to a joint.
What is articular joint pain?
Joint pain can be discomfort, pain or inflammation arising from any part of a joint — including cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons or muscles. Most commonly, however, joint pain refers to arthritis or arthralgia, which is inflammation or pain from within the joint itself.
How do I know if I have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?
Disease Onset Osteoarthritis tends to develop gradually over several years, as the joint cartilage wears away. Eventually the bones of your joints rub against each other. In contrast, the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis can develop and worsen over several weeks or a few months.
What are the first signs of rheumatism?
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints. Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity. Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite....Areas that may be affected include:Skin.Eyes.Lungs.Heart.Kidneys.Salivary glands.Nerve tissue.Bone marrow.More items...•
What's another name for rheumatism?
RheumatismOther namesRheumatic diseaseSpecialtyRheumatology
What is rheumatism called today?
“Rheumatism” is not a medical term, but many people use it informally to describe symptoms similar to those of arthritis. People often use the terms rheumatism and arthritis to describe a variety of symptoms, such as joint pain and inflammation.
What are the signs of rheumatism?
What are the signs and symptoms of RA?Pain or aching in more than one joint.Stiffness in more than one joint.Tenderness and swelling in more than one joint.The same symptoms on both sides of the body (such as in both hands or both knees)Weight loss.Fever.Fatigue or tiredness.Weakness.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by m...
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of RA?
With RA, there are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when symptoms get better, known as remission.Signs and symptoms of RA...
What Are The Risk Factors For RA?
Researchers have studied a number of genetic and environmental factors to determine if they change person’s risk of developing RA.Characteristics t...
Who Should Diagnose and Treat RA?
A doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of RA patients should diagnose and treat RA. This is especially important because the signs an...
What Are The Complications of RA?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has many physical and social consequences and can lower quality of life. It can cause pain, disability, and premature dea...
How Can I Manage Ra and Improve My Quality of Life?
RA affects many aspects of daily living including work, leisure and social activities. Fortunately, there are multiple low-cost strategies in the c...
Learn More About Arthritis
1. Arthritis Types 2. Physical Activity for Arthritis 3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 4. Arthritis-Related Statistics
How is acute rheumatism treated?
Acute Articular Rheumatism is treated in a two front approach. First, is eliminating the bacteria through the use of penicillin and other antibiotics. Secondly, is the management of the patient’s symptoms which most frequently involve fever and joint pain.
What is ARF in strep throat?
Acute Articular Rheumatism aka Acute rheumatic fever ( ARF) is a complication seen in patients with strep throat. Patients experience arthritis and fever. ARF is found most commonly in children ages 5-15 years old. Adults can also develop it.
Is ARF rare?
ARF will pop up in small isolated outbreaks in the United States occasionally, but for the most part, it is pretty rare.
What is arthritis in the musculoskeletal system?
inflammation of a joint. adj., adj arthrit´ic. The term is often used by the public to indicate any disease involving pain or stiffness of the musculoskeletal system. Arthritis is not a single disease, but a group of over 100 diseases that cause pain and limit movement. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How to manage rheumatoid arthritis?
Management of rheumatoid arthritis is aimed at providing rest and freedom from pain, minimizing emotional stress, preventing or correcting deformities, and maintaining or restoring function so that the patient can enjoy as much independence and mobility as possible. Occupational therapy is needed to teach patients effective ways to carry out such activities of daily living as grooming and self-care, preparing meals, and light housekeeping. This often involves using specially designed utensils and tools that allow deformed joints to perform these tasks.
Why are rheumatoid arthritis patients anemic?
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis appear undernourished and chronically ill. Most are anemic because of the effect of the disease on blood-forming organs. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is elevated and the WBC may be slightly elevated.
What is the synonym for inflammation?
Inflammation of a joint or condition characterized by inflammation of joints. Synonym (s): articular rheumatism. [G. fr. arthron, joint, + -itis, inflammation] Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012.
What causes arthritis in the hips and knees?
Chronic, slowly progressive arthritis of hips, knees, ankles, or intervertebral disks caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The organism usually spreads via the blood or from osteomyelitis in an adjacent bone. The macrophage and lymphocyte response to the mycobacterium destroys the bone along the joint margins, resulting in progressive pain, fibrosis, and restricted movement.
Where are rheumatoid arthritis lesions found?
Degenerative lesions may be found in the collagen in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and pleura.
What is JRA in children?
Any of a group of chronic, inflammatory diseases involving the joints and other organs in children under 16. The age of onset is variable, as are the extra-articular manifestations. JRA affects about 1 in 1000 children (150,000 to 250,000 in the US alone) with overall incidence twice as high in females and is the most common form of arthritis in childhood. At least five subgroups are recognized. Synonym: Still's disease; juvenile idiopathic arthritis
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.
How to help arthritis?
Learn more about physical activity for arthritis. Go to effective physical activity programs. If you are worried about making arthritis worse or unsure how to safely exercise, participation in physical activity programs can help reduce pain and disability related to RA and improve mood and the ability to move.
What are the risk factors for RA?
Researchers have studied a number of genetic and environmental factors to determine if they change person’s risk of developing RA.
How is RA diagnosed?
RA is diagnosed by reviewing symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and doing X-rays and lab tests. It’s best to diagnose RA early—within 6 months of the onset of symptoms—so that people with the disease can begin treatment to slow or stop disease progression (for example, damage to joints). Diagnosis and effective treatments, particularly treatment to suppress or control inflammation, can help reduce the damaging effects of RA.
What are the complications of RA?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has many physical and social consequences and can lower quality of life. It can cause pain, disability, and premature death.
How can I manage RA and improve my quality of life?
Fortunately, there are multiple low-cost strategies in the community that are proven to increase quality of life.
How to treat RA?
RA can be effectively treated and managed with medication (s) and self-management strategies. Treatment for RA usually includes the use of medications that slow disease and prevent joint deformity, called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs); biological response modifiers (biologicals) are medications that are an effective second-line treatment. In addition to medications, people can manage their RA with self-management strategies proven to reduce pain and disability, allowing them to pursue the activities important to them. People with RA can relieve pain and improve joint function by learning to use five simple and effective arthritis management strategies.
How to fix rheumatoid arthritis?
Surgery may help restore your ability to use your joint. It can also reduce pain and improve function. Rheumatoid arthritis surgery may involve one or more of the following procedures: Synovectomy. Surgery to remove the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium) can help reduce pain and improve the joint's flexibility. Tendon repair.
Why is rheumatoid arthritis so difficult to diagnose?
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis. During the physical exam, your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth.
What are the drugs that slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis?
Conventional DMARDs. These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Common DMARDs include methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, others), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Side effects vary but may include liver damage ...
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect your life?
The pain and disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis can affect a person's work and family life. Depression and anxiety are common, as are feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem. The degree to which rheumatoid arthritis affects your daily activities depends in part on how well you cope with the disease.
What tests can be done to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
Imaging tests. Your doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in your joints over time. MRI and ultrasound tests can help your doctor judge the severity of the disease in your body.
How to avoid painful joints?
Assistive devices can make it easier to avoid stressing your painful joints. For instance, a kitchen knife equipped with a hand grip helps protect your finger and wrist joints. Certain tools, such as buttonhooks, can make it easier to get dressed. Catalogs and medical supply stores are good places to look for ideas.
Does black currant oil help with arthritis?
The seeds of evening primrose, borage and black currant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include headache, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first. Tai chi.
What is rheumatism pain?
Rheumatism is a term that people often used in the past when describing pain and other symptoms affecting the muscles and joints.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. An autoimmune disease causes the body to attack its own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to attack joints and other parts of the body.
What is osteoarthritis?
This stems from wear and tear of the joints. The symptoms usually develop gradually and include:
How long does it take for arthritis pain to go away?
After a person gets up from resting, pain from rheumatoid arthritis can take at least 1 hour to start easing, while pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis often improve after activity. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis affect the joints, but rheumatoid arthritis can cause flu-like symptoms, which may appear before the joint pain.
What are the two conditions that cause joint pain?
Here, we clarify what people mean by “rheumatism” and explore two conditions that can cause joint pain: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How many people have juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis (JA), also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, affects around 300,000 children in the country. JA is not a well-defined condition, but it usually involves inflammation and autoimmune factors.
Why does osteoarthritis cause pain?
Osteoarthritis leads to damage and the loss of cartilage, which leads to painful friction. Growths called bone spurs can also develop, increasing discomfort. Osteoarthritis can result from the overuse of a joint, due to work or a sports activity, for example.
What is soft tissue rheumatism?
Indeed ‘soft tissue rheumatism’ is a term frequently applied to miscellaneous disorders causing musculoskeletal pain arising from structures outside the joint, such as bursae, tendons, ligaments and muscles. ‘Fibromyalgia’ is also sometimes included under this heading, but will be considered separately in Chapter 8. Upper limb pain in general, and shoulder pain in particular, is commonly due to disease of these soft tissues. Careful history-taking often provides a provisional diagnosis. Different age groups suffer different pathologies. Physical examination should be both general and directed towards the most likely diagnoses. Specific investigations, some of them expensive, should be used thoughtfully, and not in a shotgun fashion. Multiple modalities of treatment should be considered and may be employed simultaneously. These include rest, physical modalities, such as ice and heat, physiotherapy, specific exercise programmes (including stretching and strengthening), and both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and corticosteroids by injection. Surgery is sometimes the definitive treatment, and in appropriate cases should not be delayed unduly.
What are the conditions that are not articular?
An entire array of painful and sometimes disabling musculoskeletal syndromes exist that are not articular in origin but arise from tendons and bursae. These conditions are referred to by various names, in addition to tendinitis and bursitis, including the terms nonarticular rheumatism, soft tissue diseases, regional rheumatic pain syndromes, overuse syndromes, and repetitive use syndromes ( Tables 271-1 and 271-2). These entities are often ignored, misdiagnosed as arthritis, or attributed to the aging process; awareness of the existence of these conditions and knowledge of basic musculoskeletal anatomy (Figs. 271-1 and 271-2) are the fundamental requirements for diagnosis. This knowledge is coupled with brief but specific physical diagnosis techniques. The accurate diagnosis and successful treatment of these conditions is gratifying to the clinician because many people can be relieved of their chronic painful syndromes.
What are the causes of polyarthritis?
Infection as a cause of polyarthritis should always be considered in patients who present acutely with symptoms. Bacteria, viruses, and atypical microorganisms may cause polyarthritis directly as a pathogen or indirectly through an immune-mediated response (see Chapters 109 through 115Chapter 109Chapter 110Chapter 111Chapter 112Chapter 113Chapter 114Chapter 115). Bacteria that have been associated with polyarthritis include staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Borrelia burgdorferi, and gram-negative bacilli. 48 Certain viruses can also cause polyarthritis; these include parvovirus B19, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and C viruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, and certain enteroviruses.49 In addition, arboviruses (e.g., insect-transmitted viruses) have been associated with polyarthritis. Severe cases of debilitating polyarthritis have been associated with the Chikungunya virus, for which human epidemics have been reported in Africa, Asia, and certain parts of Europe. A detailed travel history may help guide specific testing for diseases endemic to the region. Although vigilance for infection is important in instituting appropriate therapy, this fact should be balanced by thoughtful clinical assessment based on history and examination before extensive testing is ordered.
What are nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs?
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a diverse group of drugs; their name distinguishes them from steroids and analgesics. They are one of the most frequently used groups of drugs. However, their benefits must be set against significant risks from gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiac toxicity, which cause a substantial number of deaths each year.15–17 NSAIDs can be used locally; they are less effective used in this way but also less likely to cause adverse events. The central effect of NSAIDs is inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX). Conventional NSAIDs inhibit COX-1, which is responsible for the production of “housekeeping” prostaglandins critical for normal renal, gastric, and vascular function and COX-2, which is responsible for driving inflammation. Newer NSAIDs focus on selectively inhibiting COX-2, with the intention of reducing unwanted adverse effects, particularly gastric ulcers.
